A United Parcel Service (UPS) driver has been charged with felony hit-and-run following a deadly accident in Henderson County on March 4, 2025. Authorities say Blake Stewart Laughter, 24, of Hendersonville, was driving a UPS truck eastbound on Dana Road near Katie Drive around 10 p.m. when he struck a pedestrian, 59-year-old Armando Gonzalez.
According to reports, Laughter did not stop immediately after the collision. Instead, he continued to the UPS facility, parked the truck, and later returned to the scene in a personal vehicle with family members. Gonzalez, also of Hendersonville, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed that neither speed nor alcohol played a role in the accident. However, Laughter was arrested on March 7 and charged with felony hit-and-run inflicting serious injury or death. He was booked at the Henderson County Detention Center and later released on a $10,000 bond. A probable cause hearing is set for April 15.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the North Carolina State Highway Patrol or local law enforcement.
